Cabinet Installation Tool and System of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

A template tool that is adapted to quickly and easily define standard cabinet front edge position, whether for base or wall cabinet, and whether from stud or drywall wall.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of non-provisional U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/267,835, filed Oct. 6, 2011 and currentlypending; the entire disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to templates, and moreparticularly, to a cabinet installation tool and system of use thereof.

2. Background

It is not uncommon for the kitchen to be the functional center of ahome, with children, family and friends regularly gathering therein,enjoying the warmth and aroma of the space. It is not surprising, then,that kitchen design is considered a critical element of any home.Cabinets are perhaps the most important feature in a kitchen, definingthe ambiance while providing necessary storage space for cookware,servingware, glassware, and so many other daily necessities. Cabinetfunctionality is relied upon every day in most households, and if poor,can present daily challenges to the smallest tasks. It is wellrecognized that proper layout and placement of cabinets is critical tosuccessful functionality.

Proper installation of cabinets thus necessarily begins with properpositioning. This is directly influenced from the very initial stages ofkitchen design. That is, whether a new home or a remodel, the first stepin layout design is space measurement. Typically, a designer ordo-it-yourself homeowner measures, for example, by extending a measuringtape along the width of a window, the length from one window edge to awall, and the length from the other window edge to an endpoint, such asa doorway or another wall. Such measurements, added together, typicallythen provide a starting point, with placement of the sink to be centeredunder the window, and cabinets and appliances extending outwardlytherefrom. A similar measurement is developed for each wall to be partof the installation.

These measurements are relied upon in defining the available options forcabinet configurations that will fit into the space. Computer-aideddesign programs, for example, receive measurement input and offersuggested arrangements, fitting standard-sized cabinetry elements withstandard-sized appliances into a functional flow, and predictingnecessary “fill” spacers for seamless presentation of the finished room.It can be readily appreciated that an error in initial measurement canbring about devastating consequences. Costly cabinets are not readilysuited for reconfiguration, and are not typically accepted for return.

At the time of installation, again, measurements are frequentlygathered, again by measuring tape along a wall, with cabinetinstallation beginning at a selected, measured point, and continuingtherefrom. Walls that are not plumb, as well as errors in measuring tapeplacement, reading, and calculating frequently result in unexpectedsituations, such as discovering a corner cabinet with a gap, or evenworse, a corner cabinet that will not fit or an appliance opening thatis too small to accommodate the appliance. Some solutions have beenproposed as attempts to minimize or eliminate such issues, however nonefocus on the front edge of a cabinet and each is disadvantageous in viewof the present disclosure.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a cabinetinstallation tool that enables accurate determination and marking offront edge dimensions, alleviating wall variation issues and providingconsistent and error-free results, whether from drywall or studs.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present deviceovercomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognizedneed by providing a template tool that is adapted to quickly and easilydefine standard cabinet front edge position, whether for base or wallcabinet, and whether from stud or drywall wall.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferredform, the present cabinet installation tool facilitates reproduciblyaccurate determination of the front edge dimensions for cabinet layout,whether for kitchen, bath, garage, closet or other cabinet locale,wherein the simple, error-proof method of use of the cabinetinstallation tool may be configured according to any dimensionalstandards or specifications of a cabinet line or genre.

More specifically, the device of the present disclosure in its preferredform is a cabinet installation tool comprising a generally rectangularouter frame with one set of long-length feet, one set of short-lengthfeet, and a plurality of central apertures, wherein each outer frameedge is preferably a working surface, and wherein each central apertureis strategically positioned. There is, accordingly, an elongate worksurface and a short work surface for use with drywall, and there is anelongate work surface and a short work surface for use with studs,wherein the stud work surfaces incorporate the “feet”, as will befurther described. The overall shape enables the unique functionality;however, the measurements of the features are particularly relevantaccording to the standardized application of use. Extenders may also beincluded in an embodiment, with wherein accommodation of an installedbacksplash is facilitated.

In use, for determination of base cabinet placement, an appropriateshort work surface (without or with feet) is placed against the drywallor stud reference proximate a selected position for the end base cabinetedge, and a line is drawn on the ground surface/foundation marking theend base cabinet edge and front edge. The tool is repositioned, and themarking is continued, until a line is visible and in position with thedesired front edge of the intended cabinets. The defined front edge basecabinet line is measured, and that measurement provides an accuratepoint of reference for the determination of the layout landscape, orface, of the kitchen cabinet base. For determination of wall cabinetplacement, the same series of simple and error-free markings isaccomplished, but with an appropriate long work surface (without or withfeet) placed against the drywall or stud reference. The defined frontedge line for the wall cabinets is created, and measured, with no needfor calculations and no risk of negative influence on installation fromwall variation-induced measurements, but instead based upon areproducible and meaningfully visible placement methodology.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present device is itsability to facilitate quick and easy determination of cabinet front edgepositioning.

Another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability toconvert for drywall to stud use with a simple positional change.

Still another feature and advantage of the present device is its abilityto allow for ease of use by do-it-yourself homeowners, without requiringspecialized or skilled training, yet with consistent and reproducibleresults.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its abilityto accommodate for installed backsplash dimensions and therefore adaptfor use in any remodel or new cabinet installation environment.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present device is itsability for easy, one-handed transport and use.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present device is itsability to be utilized for kitchen cabinets, or for bath, garage,closet, or any other type cabinets, including in commercial settings,upon accomplishment of simple dimensional reconfigurations toaccommodate standard cabinet sizes.

These and other features and advantages of the invention will becomemore apparent to one skilled in the art from the following descriptionand claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference tothe accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numeralsdenote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a cabinet installation tool, according to apreferred embodiment of the present device;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cabinet installation tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a short length end view of a stud work surface of the cabinetinstallation tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a short length end view of a drywall work surface of thecabinet installation tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a long length side view of a drywall work surface of thecabinet installation tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4B is a long length side view of a stud work surface of the cabinetinstallation tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the cabinet installation tool ofFIG. 1, showing an optional stand-off element installed;

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the cabinet installation tool ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a cabinet installation tool, accordingto an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cabinet installation tool of FIG. 7,showing the tool in use proximate a backsplash;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an extension stand-off element of thecabinet installation tool of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a multi-wall kitchen K1, showing anexemplary installation landscape;

FIG. 10B is an overhead view of the multi-wall kitchen of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a single wall kitchen K2, showing anexemplary installation landscape;

FIG. 11B is an overhead view of the multi-wall kitchen of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is an overhead view of one step of a multi-step demonstrationof a cabinet installation tool in use for planning wall and base cabinetinstallation relative to drywall;

FIG. 12B is an overhead view of another step of the multi-stepdemonstration of FIG. 12A, proximate a corner;

FIG. 12C is an overhead view of another step of the multi-stepdemonstration of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is an overhead view of walls and bases front edge intersectingpoints, or markings defined by the cabinet installation tool methods ofuse demonstrated in FIGS. 12A-12C;

FIG. 14A is an overhead view of one step of a multi-step demonstrationof a cabinet installation tool in use for planning base and wall cabinetinstallation relative to stud wall;

FIG. 14B is an overhead view of another step of the multi-stepdemonstration of FIG. 14A, proximate a corner;

FIG. 14C is an overhead view of another step of the multi-stepdemonstration of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15 is an overhead view of walls and bases front edge intersectingpoints, or markings, defined by the cabinet installation tool methods ofuse demonstrated in FIGS. 14A-15C;

FIG. 16A is a side view of a stand-off element, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16B is a front view of the stand-off element of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the stand-off element of FIG. 16A;

FIG. 16D is a rear view of the stand-off element of FIG. 16A; and

FIG. 16E is a front view of the stand-off element of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the presentdevice, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The device, however, isnot intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, andit is to be understood that each specific element includes all technicalequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similarfunctions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4B, cabinet installation tool 10 preferablycomprises frame 20, wherein frame 20 is preferably generallyrectangularly-shaped, with first set of feet 40 a along first shortlength 22 a. The preferred shape defines short drywall work surface 62and short stud work surface 66, wherein short stud work surface 66 isdefined by first short length 24 a and first set of feet 40 a.Similarly, short drywall work surface 62 is defined by second shortlength 24 b. It should be noted that it is this overall preferred shapethat enables the efficient and reproducible functionality of cabinetinstallation tool 10, but the actual measurements of the features areparticularly relevant according to the standardized application of use.

In the United States, new kitchen cabinets are generally standardized inthree inch (3 in.) variations. The preferred embodiment of cabinetinstallation tool 10, as disclosed, is tailored toward U.S. standardizedcabinets. It is in intended, however, that within the scope of thepresent disclosure, alternate embodiments could be constructed withdimensional alterations to accommodate differing standards and/orsystems of measurement. For example, bath cabinets may be available indifferent standardized variations than kitchen cabinets; similarly,cabinets of all sorts from non-U.S. regions may be premised uponoriginal standards. It is specifically recognized that cabinetinstallation tool 10 may be altered from the measurements disclosedherein as preferred and exemplary in order to accommodate and performrelative to these alternative standards.

With respect to the preferred embodiment, it is preferred that frame 20and first set of feet 40 a are integrally formed, with an overallpreferred length for elongate surface 60 and elongate surface 64 oftwenty four inches (24 in.). Overall preferred width for cabinetinstallation tool 10, and hence for short drywall work surface 62 andshort stud work surface 66, is eight inches (8 in.). This preferreddimensional configuration is targeted toward the typical twenty fourinch (24 in.) depth for base cabinets, with plurality of apertures 80,82, 84, and 86 targeted toward the typical twelve inch (12 in.) depthfor wall cabinets, as will be described more fully.

As may be observed in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is preferably first pair of feet40 a that contributes the one-half inch (0.5 in.) increment to eachlength measure for cabinet installation tool 10. This compensates forthe subsequent addition of drywall when installation measurements arecollected from a stud wall, such as representatively demonstrated inFIGS. 14A-14C and 15. Alternately, as representatively demonstrated inFIGS. 12A-12C and 13, short drywall work surface 62 may be utilized,wherein no one-half inch increment is necessary.

According to the preferred embodiment, plurality of apertures 80, 82,84, and 86 are defined within frame 20, wherein each aperture 80, 82,84, and 86 is preferably generally rectangularly-shaped, preferablydefined parallel with first and second short lengths 24 a and 24 b, andpreferably defined perpendicular with first and second elongate lengths22 a and 22 b. It should be recognized that alternate embodiments couldbe formed with more or fewer apertures, or with alternately shapedapertures; however, in such embodiments, preferred functionality forcabinet installation tool 10 would be impacted because plurality ofapertures 80, 82, 84, and 86 function as templates and/or stencils forcabinet placement. In the preferred embodiment, each aperture 80, 82,84, and 86 is three inches (3 in.) wide and nine inches (9 in.) long,wherein aperture 82 efficiently functions to mark the standard frontedge placement of a wall cabinet as referenced above.

Accordingly, aperture 80 preferably extends from three to six inches (3to 6 in.) from short drywall work surface 62; aperture 82 preferablyextends from nine to twelve inches (9 to 12 in.) from short drywall worksurface 62; aperture 84 preferably extends from fifteen to eighteeninches (15 to 18 in.) from short drywall work surface 62; and aperture86 preferably extends from twenty one to twenty four inches (21 to 24in.) from short drywall work surface 62. By such arrangement, a line maybe quickly and easily traced onto the floor/ground surface by selectionof any one of plurality of aperture edges 87 relating to the dimensionof the intended cabinet, or countertop overhang, for example. In thepreferred embodiment, each aperture edge 87 is identifiably marked onframe 20 with corresponding measurement indicator 88 a for “no fail”reference during use relative to drywall. Similarly, for measurementsrelative to a stud wall, aperture 86 preferably extends from three andone half to six and one half inches (3.5 to 6.5 in.) from short studwork surface 66; aperture 84 preferably extends from nine and one halfto twelve and one half inches (9.5 to 12.5 in.) from short stud worksurface 66; aperture 82 preferably extends from fifteen and one half toeighteen and one half inches (15.5 to 18.5 in.) from short stud worksurface 66; and aperture 80 preferably extends from twenty one and onehalf to twenty four and one half inches (21.5 to 24.5 in.) from shortstud work surface 66, also with plurality of corresponding measurementindicators 88, but for use relative to studs.

Additional preferred dimensions for cabinet installation tool 10 alsoserve functional purpose. Each foot 41 is preferably one and one halfinches (1.5 in.) and the overall thickness of cabinet installation tool10, as may be observed in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B, is preferably onehalf inch (0.5 in.). These known and commonly used dimensions may beutilized by a worker/installer in any instance where such a measurementneed be accomplished or marked, such as for a selected overhang or for ahalf inch set-away from a window ledge or the like.

Cabinet installation tool 10 is preferably formed from sturdy, yetlightweight materials, such as molded plastic or similar man made ornatural material, preferably marked with measurement tick marks for easyreference. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that othermaterials or combinations thereof could be utilized, such as metal,wood, coated foam, composite, or any suitable material, withoutlimitation, with suitable strength and durability, yet light enough forconvenient transport. In one embodiment, cabinet installation device 10could be constructed for disposability, such as with single usematerials with minimal durability. Such an embodiment could be suitablefor distribution to do-it-yourselfers, for example, as an aid forplanning a remodel, wherein only a single job would be the focusedintention of use. Cabinet installation tool 10 could be imprinted orotherwise marked with a “reduction to scale” chart, providing quickconfirmation of cabinet centers to allow for targeted appliancepositioning or the like, and/or could be marked with third-partyadvertisements and/or could bear a trademark of a professionalinstaller, for example, functioning as a marketing and/or advertisingrevenue tool.

Also according to the preferred embodiment, and as depicted in FIGS. 2and 3B, cabinet installation tool 10 is preferably equipped with recesschannels 101 a and 101 b, preferably opposingly positioned relative tofeet 41. It should be understood that these recess channels 101 a and101 b are not required, although preferred, wherein cabinet installationtool 10 could be formed therewithout and still retain functionality,albeit without availability of stand-off elements 100. Preferredinclusion of recess channels 101 a and 101 b, however, enables selectiveutilization of stand-off elements 100, as described below.

In another alternate embodiment, stand-off elements 100 may beinstalled, as representatively depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, wherein eachstand-off element 100 functions to position cabinet installation tool 10a pre-selected distance from an existing backsplash, such as in aremodel, in order to facilitate accurate determination of the front edgeinstallation line in such a scenario. With reference to FIGS. 16A-16D,each stand-off element 100 is defined by support 102 and planarstand-off member 104, wherein it is the extended length of planarstand-off member 104 relative to frame 20 that enables accommodation ofan existing back splash. Support base 103 is shaped to enable slidablepositioning within recess channels 101 a, 101 b.

Also, referring now to FIG. 7, cabinet installation tool 10 couldcomprise second set of feet 40 b along first elongate length 22 a, andcould have a width of twelve inches (12 in.). This shape would defineelongate drywall work surface 60 and elongate stud work surface 64,wherein elongate stud work surface 64 is defined by first elongatelength 22 a and with second set of feet 40 b. Similarly, elongatedrywall work surface 60 is defined by second elongate length 22 b. Itshould be noted that it is this overall preferred shape that enables theefficient and reproducible functionality of cabinet installation tool10, with ninety degree movement between placements of device 10, markingwall cabinets from one orientation and marking base cabinets fromanother orientation.

With respect to one embodiment, frame 20 and first and second sets offeet 40 a and 40 b could be integrally formed, with an overall lengthfor elongate drywall work surface 60 and elongate stud work surface 64of twenty four inches (24 in.). Overall width for cabinet installationtool 10, and hence for short drywall work surface 62 and short stud worksurface 66, could be twelve inches (12 in.) in this alternateembodiment. This dimensional configuration is targeted toward thetypical twenty four inch (24 in.) depth for base cabinets and thetypical twelve inch (12 in.) depth for wall cabinets.

In still another alternate embodiment, with reference now to FIGS. 7-9,expansion arms 110 may be provided in lieu of stand-off element 100.Expansion arms 110 may be removably seated in frame 20, such as shown inFIG. 7, for example, wherein frame 20 could be surface adapted,accordingly, to receive for friction fit. In such manner, expansion arms110 may be easily transported and ready for use, yet generally flush andunobstrusive during non-use. Mounts 112, representatively shown in FIG.9, could be similarly adapted into frame 20, for slidable receipt ofbases 113, wherein extension 114 of expansion arms 110 could extend overa backsplash to a wall, enabling cabinet installation tool 10 to beutilized proximate an existing backsplash as demonstrably depicted inFIG. 8.

In another embodiment, cabinet installation tool 10 could be formed inmore than one piece, wherein assembly to full-size could occur at a jobsite, with pieces friction fit together, snap-locked, hingedly related,or such, and wherein transport size could thereby be minimized to fitinto a small box or bag, for example.

In use, for determination of base cabinet placement, an appropriateshort work surface 62, 66 (without or with feet 40 b, as appropriate) isplaced against the drywall or stud reference proximate a selectedposition for the end base cabinet edge, and a line L is drawn on theground surface/foundation marking the end base cabinet edge and frontedge. Preferably, tool 10 is repositioned, and the marking is continued,until a line is visible and in position with the desired front edge ofthe intended cabinets. The defined front edge base cabinet line ismeasured, and that measurement provides an accurate point of referencefor the determination of the layout landscape, or face, of the kitchencabinet base. This preferred method for base cabinet installationplanning is representatively demonstrated in FIGS. 12A-12C for drywalland in FIGS. 14A-14C for stud.

For determination of wall cabinet placement, the same series of simpleand error-free markings is accomplished, from the same placement, butwith markings via aperture 82, without or with feet 40 a placed againstthe drywall or stud reference. The defined front edge line for the wallcabinets is created, and measured, with no need for calculations and norisk of negative influence on installation from wall variation-inducedmeasurements, but instead based upon a reproducible and meaningfullyvisible placement methodology, and conveniently while base cabinets'placement is being marked. This preferred method for wall cabinetinstallation planning is also representatively demonstrated in FIGS.12A-12C for drywall and in FIGS. 14A-14C for stud, wherein FIG. 13 andFIG. 15 respectively demonstrate a combined wall and base installationplacement lines for drywall and for stud, depicting the front edgeintersecting points. Representative depictions of kitchen landscapes K1,K2 and related cabinet overviews that could result from utilization ofcabinet installation tool 10, for example, are shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B,11A, and 11B, wherein front line placement may be observed “in action”relative to actual cabinetry. That is, by placing cabinets according tothe front line determined by cabinet installation tool 10, rather thanaccording to a potentially non-plumb wall, the landscape elevationviews, such as FIG. 10A and FIG. 11A, can be achieved withoutinterruption or failure of space between cabinets, appliances, and/orwalls.

In yet another alternate embodiment, cabinet installation tool 10 couldbe provided without feet 41, and also solely with measurements inclusiveof feet 41. In such embodiments, therefore, a single cabinetinstallation tool 10 would be useful for either drywall only (withoutfeet 41), or for stud only (incorporating measurements of feet 41).

Finally, according to still another alternate embodiment, cabinetinstallation tool 10 could be provided with an on-board marking system(not shown), wherein, for example, an engageable marking device could beslidably related to one or more edges.

Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, itshould be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosuresare exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations,and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specificembodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the followingclaims.

I claim:
 1. A method for determining a cabinet installation, comprisingthe steps of: obtaining a rectangularly-shaped cabinet installationtool; placing a first edge of said cabinet installation tool against awall of an installation site in a first position; marking a groundsurface of the installation site relative to said first position of saidcabinet installation tool; placing said first edge of said cabinetinstallation tool against the wall of an installation site in a secondposition; marking the ground surface of the installation site relativeto said second position of said cabinet installation tool; measuring thelength of a line formed from said first and said second positionmarkings; and defining and placing a cabinet installation according saidlength of said line, with said line coincident with a front edge of theinstalled cabinet.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidrectangularly-shaped cabinet installation tool comprises: a rectangularouter frame, wherein said first edge of said outer frame has a firstlength and said rectangular outer frame having a short edge providedwith a second length less than said first length.
 3. The method of claim2, further comprising: at least one foot extended from an edge of saidouter frame.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising at least oneaperture defined within a perimeter of said rectangular outer frame. 5.The method of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of apertures,wherein each said aperture is rectangularly shaped and is definedperpendicular relative to said first edge of said template tool.
 6. Themethod of claim 3, wherein said foot extended therefrom is a stud wallcabinet installation tool.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein saidelongate edge without said foot extended therefrom is a drywall cabinetinstallation tool, and wherein said short edge without said footextended therefrom is a drywall installation tool.
 8. The method ofclaim 2, further comprising a plurality of expansion arms, saidplurality of expansion clips removably carried by said frame.
 9. Amethod for determining a cabinet installation, comprising the steps of:obtaining a planar, rectangularly-shaped cabinet installation tool;placing a first edge of said cabinet installation tool against a wall ofan installation site in a first position; marking a ground surface ofthe installation site relative to said first position of said cabinetinstallation tool; placing said first edge of said cabinet installationtool against the wall of an installation site in a second position;marking the ground surface of the installation site relative to saidsecond position of said cabinet installation tool; measuring the lengthof a line formed from said first and said second position markings;defining and placing a cabinet installation according said length ofsaid line, with said line coincident with a front edge of the installedcabinet; wherein said planar, rectangularly-shaped cabinet installationtool includes a rectangular frame with an elongate length and a shortwidth; at least one set of feet carried along said short width,proximate each end of said short width on said first side edge of saidframe; and wherein said short width on said first side edge of saidframe is a stud work surface.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: a second end edge of said frame, also of said short width,wherein said short width on said second end edge of said frame is adrywall work surface.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said elongatelength is twenty seven and one half inches (27.5 in.).
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein said short width is eight inches (8 in.).
 13. Themethod of claim 10, wherein each foot of said at least one set of feetis rectangular-shaped, with dimensions of one-half inch (0.5 in.) by oneand one-half inch (1.5 in.)
 14. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising four rectangular apertures defined parallel relative to eachother and relative to said short width of said frame.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein each said aperture is three inches (3 in.) wide andfive inches (5 in.) long.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein a first ofsaid four apertures is defined from three to six inches (3 to 6 in.)from said drywall work surface, wherein a second of said four aperturesis defined from nine to twelve inches (9 to 12 in.) from said drywallwork surface, wherein a third of said four apertures is defined fromfifteen to eighteen inches (15 to 18 in.) from said drywall worksurface, wherein a fourth of said four apertures is defined from twentyone to twenty four inches (21 to 24 in.) from said drywall work surface,wherein said fourth of said four apertures is defined from three and onehalf to six and one half inches (3.5 to 6.5 in.) from said stud worksurface, said third of said four apertures is defined from nine and onehalf to twelve and one half inches (9.5 to 12.5 in.) from said stud worksurface, said second of said four apertures is defined from fifteen andone half to eighteen and one half inches (15.5 to 18.5 in.) from saidstud work surface, and said first of said four apertures is defined fromtwenty one and one half to twenty four and one half inches (21.5 to 24.5in.) from said stud work surface.
 17. The method of claim 10, furthercomprising: frame markings selected from the group consisting of aplurality of measurement tick marks, a reduction to scale chart, atleast one third-party advertisement, and a trademark.
 18. The method ofclaim 9, wherein said frame further comprises a marking member fordelivering a mark to a surface.